mount Ontake

MOUNT ONTAKE

Mount Ontake - On Saturday, September 27, 2014, at approximately 11:52 AM Japanese Standard Time, Mount Ontake, the second highest volcano in Japan, underwent a phreatic eruption and killed 47 people on the slopes of the volcano. Hundreds of people were near the summit at the time of eruption, the number of unaccounted people is unknown, though many were injured by falling debris. Mount Ontake is more than 10,000 feet high, and 125 miles (200 km) west of Tokyo on Honshu. Volcanic tremors have been monitored since the eruption and smoke and debris are still being emitted from the volcano. Most of the victims are reported to have died from injuries due to flying volcanic material and inhalation of hot or toxic air. See the video below for more information on response to the crisis.

Over 1000 troops, police and fire fighters have been involved in rescue operations, but the eruption is ongoing so more casualties may surface. Seismologists detected increased seismic and volcanic activity in the region prior to the eruption, but no preparations were made. Mount Ontake is one of Japan’s 110 active volcanoes, and this event is reported to be “the worst volcanic disaster in Japan for 90 years.” (BBC)